The Writ of Habeas Corpus

Vicki Lynne, Age2

Vicki Lynne, Age2

The days in recent weeks have been a blur of activity as we prepared to travel to Arizona  to attend an Evidentiary Hearing that will be held on Monday, October 7, 2013.  During this hearing, the defense will attempt to prove that there was ineffective counsel during the original sentencing and initial appellate phase AND that his supposed mental illness (PTSD – post traumatic stress disorder) was never entered into evidence – all in an effort to have his current sentence altered and the death sentence removed.

From September 1984 to now, we have battled Frank Atwood and the criminal justice system to bring justice for Vicki. He was sentenced to death in May of 1987, and since then this case has made its way to the U. S. Supreme Court, first on an automatic appeal, and again during the Post Conviction Release Appeal, both of which were denied. The Writ of Habeas Corpus, (the petition in which we are dealing with now) was filed in March of 1998. In this petition there were 43 claims, all which have been denied, except this last one, the reason for the Evidentiary Hearing on Monday.

When my sister was kidnapped and murdered 29 years ago, I would have never imagined that I would still be dealing with her murderer today. And, although I could have never truly imagined that our journey would have gone the way it has, I would have never thought that I would be packing my family and traveling to Arizona for one last hearing.

We will attend the proceedings to represent Vicki. To say that we feel an incredible amount of injustice at the length of time we have had to battle this would be an understatement, but we continue with our family, our friends and our community to seek justice for Vicki. And, it is close.

29 years after her death, Vicki Lynne’s killer gets a hearing | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona

Vicki Lynne Hoskinson, 4

29 years after her death, Vicki Lynne’s killer gets a hearing | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona.

Vicki Lynne remembered 10 days before killer’s hearing | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona

Vicki Lynne, 4

Vicki Lynne, 4

 

Thank you KVOA’s Kristi Tedesco & Samantha Ptashkin for your coverage of last night’s Arizona Homicide Survivors candlelight vigil in honor of our loved ones.

Video Link to Friday’s story: http://www.kvoa.com/videoplayer/?video_id=15868&categories=2,15,390,416

Article: Vicki Lynne remembered 10 days before killer’s hearing | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona.

Keeping Tucson clean one mile at a time!

It’s time for the quarterly cleanup of SR-77, mile 89-90, “Don’t Forget Vicki Lynne” 2/2/76 – 9/17/84 .

Our family has joined with two others to keep three miles of highway clean in north Tucson in memory of our loved ones. We break into groups, if you show up to do Vicki’s mile, you will actually be cleaning up her mile.

The date has been set for 8:00 am on Sunday, September 29th, 2013

My sister, Carie, has taken over the primary responsibility for the mile in honor of Vicki as our parents are now here in Montana. With the help of our brother Brian, they can use a few volunteers to clean the mile.

We ask that if you can attend that you meet at Anthony & Crystal Cillittos house at 8:00 am. You can shuttle over to the mile sites from there.

Crystal will go over the rules with you before you start. Remember to bring gloves, a garbage picker upper (if you have one), hat, water etc. Safety vests will be provided. No children under 12 allowed. (State rules…sorry) wear good shoes, no sandals or shorts.*NOTE: It is snake season and likely that we may encounter one on the highway. Please be sure to wear long pants and boots/hiking shoes if possible!

Anthony’s address: 15431 N. Coronado Forest Dr. in Catalina.

The clean up normally takes about 1- 1 1/2 hours depending on the number of people who show up to volunteer.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions you may have. Our family is so incredibly grateful for those who can help us give back to our community.

Thank you for your continued love and support!!!

Vicki Lynne 1984

Vicki Lynne 1984

September 17, 1984

It’s hard to imagine that day was 29 years ago, sometimes I feel it like it is now.

As another year passes, I would like to take today to honor the anniversary of Vicki Lynne’s death with stories and memories, whether you knew her or if her life impacted yours, I invite you to share. How Vicki died is not the most important part, it was just the beginning of many things. How Vicki continues to live in our hearts and how she touches our souls is so much more.

I see her in the faces of my two girls everyday, especially in my youngest daughter, Mackenzie. She has her Aunt Vicki’s blue eyes, her freckled face, her gapped tooth smile, and witty personality.  Boy, can she entertain you… just like Vicki used to… Mackenzie also has her love for softball. Last Wednesday night they got their team shirts for fall league, Mackenzie is sporting a pink #8 … Vicki’s favorite color and the age she was when she left us. And, although Madison favors me in her appearance, she has many mannerisms that remind me of Vicki, the way her eyes look at you, how she giggles and how gentle her soul is.  These are daily gifts that bless my life.

And, I have many memories to share … but if I were to share one of our favorite things to do, it comes from a picture that caught us nose to nose sitting in the back of our boat at Apache Lake (AZ) with our father skiing behind us.  We loved going to the lake, swimming, playing, water skiing but laying underneath the night sky counting the stars above tops my favorites. I still find myself staring off into the sky at night and waiting for a shooting star, which I know are her gifts to me.

Apache Lake, AZ, Vicki & I

Apache Lake, AZ, Vicki & I

So today, share with me, your stories, your memories or how she impacted your life. Help me honor her memory in a positive way. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for never forgetting Vicki Lynne…

 

September…

The start of fall, back to school and routines, which I love after a fun Montana summer and this one has been a good one! The days are starting to get shorter, the mornings are cool, crisp and smell like a little bit of heaven. We are harvesting our garden and enjoying the fruits of our labor. The leaves are starting to change, one of the things that I love the most about living here in God’s country.

We will celebrate birthday’s and wedding anniversaries, play softball, enjoy some day trips to explore in our “backyard” and hopefully get some fishing in. Life is really good…

But, as I reflect and enjoy all the amazing things around me, I still have that stinging sadness, as September marks another year that my sister has been gone… It’s hard to explain, because like I said, life is good. It just seems when the calendar turns and September comes my heart feels different, even after 29 years…

There is a lot happening right now, so I recognize that I am feeling a little more sensitive than most years, so today when I received an email from my cousin, Rebecca, I was really touched. She wants to pay tribute to Vicki this month and ask our family and friends to tie yellow ribbons to their car antennas, mailboxes or even wear them as a symbol that ‘we will not forget Vicki Lynne’. When Vicki disappeared, Tucson turned into a sea of yellow ribbons, yellow bumper stickers reading “Don’t forget Vicki Lynne” were on cars at every intersection and occasionally I have people tell me they still see them on cars driving down the road… 29 years later…

So, I invite you to join us in honoring Vicki this September as we mark the 29th anniversary of her death. Tie a yellow ribbon to your car antenna… your mailbox… or wear one. Share with us, stories, memories and make this a time of positive reflection on the little girl who changed our community. Don’t forget Vicki Lynne.

Tree Planting Broadway & Randolph,  Tucson, AZ December 1984

Tree Planting Broadway & Randolph,
Tucson, AZ December 1984

 

 

 

The Golden Birthday

Today, we celebrate Madison’s “Golden Birthday”, she turns “11” on June 11th.

We have talked about this day for a while, along with the fact that she is leaving elementary school to go to the middle school in the fall. A lot of “changes” in our lives, most significantly in Madison’s.

Madison Lynne came into this world with big beautiful eyes, looking at us so quiet and sweet as though we may have just interrupted a nice little nap. (She was delivered emergency c-section) She was calm and perfect in every way. Eleven years later, at 11:59 a.m. we will make her “Golden Day” official!!!!

She is still calm, sweet and perfect in every way.  Madison is quick to love, shy but friendly, kind and gentle in nature. She loves horses, to write, to draw and has a new found love for softball. She is up for a game in the backyard any chance she can.

Madison, as you grow, Dad & Mom hope for you that….

You continue to love your family, friends and your animal-friends in the very unconditional way that you do right now…

That you never doubt how amazing you are, when you smile, when you draw, when you write, when you are helping Mackenzie, when you giggle…

You never, ever lose your passion for drawing or writing…

That you will always listen to your heart and never let fear stop you from doing anything…

And most of all, how much we love you, every minute of every day…

Happy “Golden” Birthday Madison!

Horse Drawing, March 2, 2013

Horse Drawing, March 2, 2013

 

Vicki Lynne Mile Clean Up

It is time for the quarterly clean up of the mile in Memory of Vicki Lynne.

Vicki 1984

Vicki 1984

As you may know, our family has joined with two others to keep three miles of highway clean in north Tucson in memory of our loved ones. We break into groups, if you show up to do Vicki’s mile, you will actually be cleaning up her mile.

The date has been set for 7:00 am on Sunday, June 30th. 

My sister, Carie, has taken over the primary responsibility for the mile in honor of Vicki as our parents are now here in Montana. She has the support and help of our brother, Brian as well. We ask that if you can attend that you meet at Anthony & Crystal Cillittos house at 7:00 am. You can shuttle over to the mile sites from there.

Crystal will go over the rules with you before you start. Remember to bring gloves, a garbage picker upper (if you have one), hat, water etc. Safety vests will be provided. No children under 12 allowed. (State rules…sorry) wear good shoes, no sandals or shorts.*NOTE: It is snake season and likely that we may encounter one on the highway. Please be sure to wear long pants and boots/hiking shoes if possible!

Anthony’s address: 15431 N. Coronado Forest Dr. in Catalina.

The clean up normally takes about 1- 1 1/2 hours depending on the number of people who show up to volunteer.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions you may have.

Our family is so incredibly grateful for those who can help us give back to our community.

Thank you for your continued love and support!!!

Racing, A story of how we met & how it’s still a major part of our life…

People have asked me lately, “What does your husband do?”  “How did you meet him?”  “He does WHAT for a living?” “You like NASCAR racing?”

Yes, I like racing and here’s a little bit more about how it plays a role…

Stock car racing has always been a part of my life. It started as a family affair with my “Papas”, a.k.a. Carl Trimmer, my dad, uncles, and brother, it continued when I met Scott. (www.trimmermotorsports.com)

We met in the winter of 1996-1997 during the ESPN2 Winter Heat Late Model Racing Series held at Tucson Raceway Park. After the last race, Scott & I were walking across the infield together back to the “pits”. Scott was the Crew Chief for Marc Groskreutz, who had just finished 2nd behind my “Papas” in the Championship.  As we chatted walking across the track that day, I never thought I would see him again. Little did I know, Scott was later offered a Super Late Model Stock Car “ride” by Patrick’s Motorsport’s and he moved to Tucson the following spring of 1997.

Mutual friends encouraged me to call him, he only knew a few people in Tucson and they thought we would hit it off. After a bit of coaxing, I called and we met up at Hooters for wings and beers… I add this because truly, I never thought it would go anywhere, and anyone serious wouldn’t really go on their first date to Hooters! Would they???

Scott & I 1997

Scott & I 1997

The rest is history, we married in April of 2001. Scott raced Super Late Models & the NASCAR Southwest Tour Series in those years. When we had Madison in June of 2002, we traveled with a Late Model Stock Car to race in Montana’s biggest race of the year, The Montana 200, held at Montana Raceway Park. It had been our third trip up to race in the big event, and Scott came close to winning that year until an electrical fire took us out in the end. It was a long tough trip and in the end we both knew Montana was calling us home.  It was a difficult decision for Scott to leave behind a racing career, and for me to leave my family in Tucson.

Scott Phoenix International Raceway 2001

Scott Phoenix International Raceway 2001

In the years since, Scott has crawled behind the wheel of a Late Model Race car, a handful of times, leaving the drivers seat with a win under his belt in the Canadian-American Shoot-Out at Montana Raceway Park in 2004.

He spent almost 6 years as the Crew Chief for local race car driver, Mark Owens. In their years together, they had 1 Championship, 2 handfuls of wins and numerous fast times.

Racing continues to play a major role in our life, and how lucky Scott is to be able to make a career doing something he is so passionate about.

Scott is currently working with Giles Thornton, an up and coming NASCAR racer who calls Whitefish, MT his home. When we met Giles a few years ago, Scott saw something in him that not a lot of others did and he built him his first Late Model Stock Car.

In the last year, a team has formed behind Giles that I am proud Scott is part of. The Crew Chief, Travis Sharpe, brought his family from the east coast and has helped Giles grow in amazing ways. Travis is incredibly talented, and a strong team leader. Ted, a long time Tucson friend, moved his family to Kalispell this winter and is the team’s Truck Driver & “Do whatever else needs to be done guy!”. He brings many years of racing experience with him, and we are lucky to have him! Roy, a Yakima native, joined the team a few months ago and has a lot of NASCAR K&N Series experience which brings a lot to the team. Scott is the Car Chief, and his primary responsibilities are the engine & shock program, and assist Travis in the car chief departments. All of these men work well together, and I am constantly impressed with what they are accomplishing

Giles Thornton is racing a full schedule of the NASCAR K & N Series, and selected Late Model Shows in Montana, Idaho & Washington.

I know there will be some good racing in the months ahead, and that Giles will be one to watch! Scott was talking with Madison, our oldest daughter, Saturday night as we were watching the NASCAR All Star Shoot Out on T.V. He told her that one day we will be watching Giles in that race, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will!

And the story continues…

Proud to be a “Bruiser”

Mother’s Day Weekend, Kalispell hosted a mid-season softball tournament, welcoming teams in the 12U Division from Polson, Columbia Falls and Canada.

We were lucky! The weather was AWESOME! And so were the girls that came to play!

Our “Bruisers” started Friday night off with a win, and knowing the challenges we faced on Saturday would be tough. We were back on the fields by 7:42 am Saturday (thanks Coach Brad for the extra 12 minutes of sleep some of us got!) to meet up with a seasoned team from Polson, MT.

The next two competitors were fierce and tested the “Bruisers”. It’s rumored that one pitcher our team was facing was throwing balls anywhere from 60 to 70 mph, depending on who you were talking to. As each girl stepped into the batters box, I knew the feelings they were experiencing. When I was about the same age, I played against, Edith, the fastest, toughest pitcher in the city of Tucson. Trying to find the courage to swing the bat when Edith was in the circle was a challenge for me. She taught me a lot the years I played with her, something I hope our girls took away from this past weekend.

The bonds and lessons the “Bruisers” had from there will be with them forever. It was a lot of hard work. I know they learned a lot about the sport, the ups and downs as a team, the love for the game, and how much their coaches and parents believe in them!  All our players came into the weekend ready to play, and left with some great experience!

A special WOOT! WOOT! to Kali, who lead our team in the “circle” and pitched every game. You are one amazing young woman and you taught me about endurance and determination! I’m very proud of you and I will be glad to watch you pitch in snow, rain or shine any day any time! Keep up the hard work!

A few highlights… Caitlin’s determination with Kali, stopping the balls and staying behind the plate every pitch… Sophie’s amazing dive catch in the infield and home steal! Ashlynn’s outfield catch and cheer that made us all scream along… Hallie’s HoMe-RuN (I KNOW there will be a few more of those hits out of our girls before the season is over!)… our defense had some great double plays and our girls made some amazing progress batting. Hannah, Cortlynn, Suzanne, Makenna and Ty’s “wheels” … they are all  fast, fearless and base running machines! These girls aren’t afraid to steal! Lauren and Mady were timid in the batters box going into Friday but left the games bunting and swinging away!! Very proud!!!  Our girls cheered each other on from the dugout and on the field just as much when the chips were down as they were when things were perfect! I loved the positive attitude that came from our team, it wasn’t’ the same in every dugout! They knew they depended on and respected each other, and it showed!!!

Bruiser's 2013

Bruiser’s 2013

A shout out to our “fans” who moved in on the right & left field lines, cheered the team, encouraging the girls inning after inning!!!! They couldn’t have done it without you all!!!!

And, one last BIG shout out to our coaches Brad, Bruce, Mike, Justin & Patrick. I know as a parent, I feel incredibly blessed to have Madison playing on a team with not only a great group of girls, but with all of you. Your time, positive encouragement and teaching is something that I wish every girl playing could experience! Thank you!!!!

Our team grew and really had an amazing weekend!!!! We placed 4th in the tournament, the last Kalispell team standing! WAY TO GO BRUISERS! I hope that you are as proud of yourselves as your “fans” are!!!

"Bruiser's" May 2013

“Bruiser’s” May 2013